26th Generation

742. Rear Admiral Sir Chichester FORTESCUE44 was born on 7 June 1750. He died on 8 April 1820 in Cullenswood, Dublin. Sir Chichester, born on 7th June 1750 became a Rear-Admiral. In 1798 he was returned as M.P. for Trim. Following in his brothers footsteps.

He was first cousin to the Hon. Arthur Wellesley, later the great Duke of Wellington.

In 1788 he became Ulster King-at-Arms. Heraldry is known to have existed in Ireland by the 13th century, imported by the English conquerors. Some traditional Celtic symbols have been incorporated in the arms of some families. The office of Ulster Herald was created by Edward VI.

From Freeman's Journal 8 April 1820

Lately at Cullenswood, near Dublin, in the 70th year of his age, Rear Admiral Sir Chichester FORTESCUE, Knt, Ulster King of Arms. He was third son of Chichester FORTECUE of Dromisken, in the co Louth, Esq by the Hon Elizabeth WELLESLEY, sister of the first Earl of Mornington, and aunt to Marquis Wellesley and the Duke of Wellington. He was appointed Captain in the Navy, Nov. 2, 1780, and retired as a Rear Admiral, March, 5, 1799. He succeeded his brother Gerald FORTESCUE, Esq as King of Arms 31st January 1788. By his decease, compensation annuities amounting to £1021 5s (besides his pay as a Rear Admiral), reverts to the public purse. Sir William BETHAM, who has for many years acted as Deputy King of Arms, is now Ulster Principal King of Arms: his succession to that dignity on the demise of Sir C FORTESCUE, the late King, was not a matter of course, the Deputy being by no means Heir Apparent; but the honour was conferred upon him by his excellency the Lord Lieutenant, as a mark of special favour, in testamony of the appoving sense entertained by Government of the efficient manner in which he has hitherto discharged the duties of the office. All who know Sir William BETHAM, and how much the Office of Arms is indebted to his exertions, will applaud the descernment of his Excellency in bestowing the dignity of King of Arms, upon a Gentleman so well calculated to fill the station with honour to himself and advantage to the public.

Frances Anna JONES of Bendfoot (private).

Rear Admiral Sir Chichester FORTESCUE and Frances Anna JONES of Bendfoot had the following children: